In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in the popularity of CBD oil as a natural wellness option. More and more people are looking to herbal remedies for their health problems, and cannabidiol products are rising to meet the all-natural demand.
In a recent survey by Healthline, up to 25% of respondents said they are either already using CBD oil in their lifestyle routine or they are interested in trying them. That’s a pretty significant number, considering that hemp-derived products were barely discussed in the news four years ago.
Cannabidiol is a compound derived from the hemp plant. Unlike its infamous cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. Instead, it has gained worldwide recognition for its potential therapeutic benefits.
People are using organic CBD oil for a wide range of benefits. In this blog post, we’ll dive into those popular uses, as well as the potential side effects and appropriate dosages of CBD oils.
(1) Anxiety and Stress Reduction
According to Statista, the number one reason for using CBD in 2022 was to help U.S. adults “reduce stress and/or relax.” In this fast-paced digital world, it’s unsurprising that many people are looking for ways to help manage their anxiety.
CBD has gained considerable attention as a natural remedy to help alleviate the symptoms associated with anxiety. Much of the latest research suggests that CBD interacts with the brain’s serotonin receptors, which help regulate our moods and emotions. In doing so, CBD may promote feelings of calmness and relaxation, rather than nervousness and stress.
When it comes to using CBD for stress and anxiety, finding the right dosage is crucial to experiencing optimal results. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to CBD dosing, as individual responses can vary.
When struggling with anxiety or stress, most users start with a CBD oil dosage of between 5 and 10 mg. Then, after assessing how their bodies respond to CBD oil side effects, users can gradually increase the dosage in 5 mg increments.
(2) Pain Relief
Surveys indicate that pain relief is likely the second most common reason why U.S. adults are using CBD. Although CBD hemp oil cannot treat chronic diseases or injuries, numerous studies suggest that CBD may provide a sense of reprieve to people suffering from a wide range of conditions.
Specifically, research indicates that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates how our bodies perceive pain. This means CBD oils for pain may be able to reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis, migraines, neuropathic problems, and much more.
Additionally, CBD oil is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can also contribute to a decreased perception of pain in sore joints and muscles.
As always, users are encouraged to start with a low dose of CBD and increase it gradually to achieve the desired effects. It’s also a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before starting a CBD oil regimen. This will ensure the CBD is safe to use in conjunction with any other treatments or medications you are using.
(3) Improved Sleep
Third on the list of leading reasons why U.S. adults use cannabidiol is sleep quality. It’s becoming increasingly common to see CBD sleep aids on store shelves, promising a more restful, uninterrupted night of sleep to users.
While more research is needed to fully understand the side effects of CBD oil, both preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it may have a positive impact on sleep in multiple ways.
Firstly, CBD can possibly help reduce anxiety and make people feel more relaxed, which in turn helps people fall and stay asleep. Secondly, CBD may also address feelings of pain and inflammation, which often prevent people from getting quality rest.
Additionally, CBD may influence the sleep-wake cycle by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes in our bodies, including sleep. This may contribute to a more consistent sleep schedule and improved overall sleep quality.
If you suffer from insomnia or tend to wake up in the middle of the night, CBD oil for sleep might offer some support. You can start with a small dropper of a CBD oil tincture or try popular sleepy-time CBD gummies.
(4) Mood Enhancement
More recently, people have begun to research and discuss the potential mood-enhancing benefits of CBD oil. Because CBD interacts with various receptors in the brain, including serotonin receptors, it may be able to help us better regulate our emotions and embrace a “zen” sense of calm.
It’s also believed that CBD's anxiolytic properties may contribute to mood enhancement by minimizing feelings of excessive worry or social anxiety. This can allow individuals to experience a greater sense of ease and improved mood, especially in difficult situations.
Of course, individual responses to CBD tend to vary, so it may take some time to find the right dosage and form of CBD for your purposes. Many people prefer to start with a full-spectrum CBD oil tincture, but calming nano-CBD softgels are also popular options (and are easy to measure).
(5) Neuroprotective Effects
CBD has shown promise in exhibiting neuroprotective effects, suggesting its potential for protecting and supporting the health of the nervous system. CBD interacts with various receptors and signaling pathways in the brain, and its anti-inflammatory properties could help health and protect important neurons.
All of this is a fancy way to say that CBD has the potential to make our nervous system less inflamed and healthier, which in turn can support brain health and full-body wellness.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD, these preliminary findings offer promising prospects for its therapeutic use. Some studies even indicate that cannabidiol may be beneficial for managing neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
(6) Skin Health
Many people (men and women alike) buy CBD oil for its purported skincare benefits. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties, many users report glowing and healthy skin thanks to their regular oil application.
CBD oil for skin can potentially be used to treat a variety of conditions, including…
- Acne and blemishes
- Rosacea/general redness
- Dryness and itchiness
- Eczema
- Rashes and blisters
Thanks to their antioxidant properties, CBD oils are also believed to protect the skin from environmental stressors and free radicals that contribute to premature aging. This may assist in reducing signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, by neutralizing oxidative damage.
If you’re attempting to soothe your skin with CBD oil, remember to apply a test patch first. Apply a small bit of the product to a little area on the skin, then monitor the spot for the next day or two to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.
Another choice is to consume CBD products, rather than place the oil directly on your skin. Many people report positive skin results when using CBD softgels, gummies, and ingestible oils.
(7) Potential Aid for Substance Abuse
Lastly, an increasingly popular CBD oil use is that of substance abuse recovery. Early research indicates that CBD may offer a safe way to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms – without exposing individuals to further addictive properties.
This is especially true when it comes to treating opioid addiction, which affects up to 2 million Americans.
As News Medical Life Sciences stated, “The available medication for opioid addiction, unfortunately, has only temporary effectiveness because these substances have addictive properties themselves. CBD may provide a potential alternative way of targeting drug addiction without causing further addiction.”
Further research is still needed, but the current understanding is that CBD helps modulate the endocannabinoid system, which in turn can reduce drug cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, and irritability.
Moreover, CBD's potential anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties can contribute to its potential aid in substance abuse. Anxiety and depression are often underlying factors in addiction, and by addressing these symptoms, CBD may help individuals manage their cravings and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Note: if you or someone in your family is suffering from substance abuse, do not attempt to self-medicate or detox without the supervision of a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor before beginning any CBD regimen.
Ready to Experience the Benefits of CBD Oil?
Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain or looking for stress management tools, CBD oil has shown promise in relation to a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
At Just a Little Herb, we’re committed to helping you find the right product and dosage for your particular needs. All of our CBD oils are third-party tested for purity and potency, so when you shop with us, you can trust that you’re using a safe and high-quality product.
Our organization was founded in 2020 by a licensed physician assistant. Our goal is not to jump on the CBD bandwagon, but rather to ensure people have access to effective all-natural aids.
To learn if CBD oil is right for your goals, explore our full range of products. You can also contact our team online with any questions you might have about ingredients, dosages, or CBD side effects.